Shoney's, 3001 Lusk Dr., Neosho, who opened in the late 1990s, has a sign posted on its front door. The note reads as follows:

"Due to circumstances beyond our control, we will be closing for business. We apologize for any inconvenience and appreciate each and every customer we have had over the years."

The Neosho Daily News contacted Shoney's corporate headquarters on Monday. In a prepared statement, Damon Davoudpour, director of marketing, said, via email, "The franchisee decided to close the Shoney's restaurants he operated in Missouri. Shoney's brand is very sad and concerned about the impact of the closure on the community.

Shoney's is grateful to the communities where we operate and we thank our guests for coming to Shoney's over the years. We are doing everything in our power to negotiate with landlords and the other relevant parties to reopen these restaurants."

Davoudpour did not state who the Neosho franchise owner was.

The Neosho location is not the only location in the Ozarks that closed. According to KTTS 94.7 FM in Springfield, two Shoney's in Springfield – on North Glenstone and on South Division – also in Rolla and Lebanon have closed.

KSPR TV, also in Springfield, identified the Springfield franchise owner as Brent Cotter, who refused to comment.

KSPR reported Tuesday that some employees have been stiffed on pay, with one former manager saying the chain owes her more than $1,200 in back pay.

The corporate office also noted that, "Shoney's will reopen the Branson restaurant in the spring of 2013."